Elsewedy Electric will set up the region’s first subsea cable factory

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What We're Tracking Today

Egypt’s plan to reconstruct Gaza receives European backing

Good morning, all. In today’s issue we dive into Elsewedy Electric’s upcoming USD 500 mn subsea cable factory — the first in the region — Talabat’s acquisition of Instashop, and January’s auto sales, which saw a little dip following months of increases.

So, when do we eat? Maghrib prayers are at 5:59pm in the capital, and you’ll have until 4:44am tomorrow to hydrate and caffeinate ahead of fajr.

PSA-

You can now open up a bank account for no charge and with no minimum balance until the end of March, under the central bank's latest initiative as part of its efforts to boost financial inclusion.

WEATHER- It’s warming up in Cairo starting today, with the capital in for a high of 23°C and a low of 14°C, according to our favorite weather app.

It’s a tad cooler in Alexandria, with a high of 22°C and a low of 13°C.

** DID YOU KNOW that we now cover Saudi Arabia and the UAE?

** Were you forwarded this email? Tap or click here to get your own copy delivered every weekday before 7am Cairo time — without charge.

Egypt’s plan to reconstruct Gaza receives European backing: France, Germany, Italy, and the UK voiced their support for Egypt’s USD 53 bn, five-year plan to reconstruct Gaza, their foreign ministries said in a joint statement. “The plan shows a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and promises — if implemented — swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza,” the statement read. The nations also said they are “committed to working with the Arab initiative, the Palestinians and Israel to address those issues together, including security and governance. We urge all parties to build on the plan’s merits as a starting point.”

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- The government will release the conditions booklet for its Ministries Square privatizationofferings to private sector suitors in the next two months as per directives from Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, which came during a meeting with the ministers of housing and investment and the CEO of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt Noha Khalil. The state’s privatization and development plan for Downtown will first include the Ministries Square before turning its sight to the wider Downtown area, according to Housing Minister Sherif El Sherbiny.

Ministries Square? The Downtown area includes the headquarters of the ministries of education, justice, housing, supply, and military production, as well as that of the General Authority for Urban Planning.

REMEMBER- With government ministries and authorities moving to the new capital, the government has sought to find ways to take advantage of its numerous now-empty properties in the heart of downtown. The government transferred its ownership of a set of ministerial headquarters to the Sovereign Fund of Egypt last year in its efforts to sell off or repurpose the properties.

#2- French concessions and construction company Vinci has expressed its interest in managing and operating Egyptian airports as part of the government’s airport privatization push, according to a cabinet statement.

Vinci isn’t the only major global company to express interest in the offering, with three of Europe’s largest operators having put their hat in the ring, Civil Aviation Minister Sameh Elhefny said last month. This includes France’s Groupe Aéroports de Paris (ADP France) and Hassan Allam Holding who submitted a joint proposal in December.

We should have some concrete information soon with the International Finance Corporation expected to reach an agreement with the government on its privatization plan for the management of 11 airports by the middle of this month. The IFC’s full airport privatization plan will reportedly be out around July.

HAPPENING TOMORROW-

#1- The IMF is set to sign off on Egypt’s fourth review of its USD 8 bn loan program when the Fund’s Executive Board meets tomorrow, giving the final greenlight for a USD 1.2 bn tranche — the largest tranche of the program so far. Also on the agenda are Egypt’s requests to relax some timelines and other terms of the agreement.

A further USD 1.3 bn could also be on the table, with the Fund set to discuss approving the funds under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The funds will be disbursed in tranches rather than a lump sum, pending conditions, IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack said in a press briefing. “It is a phased program where tranches are dispersed on the basis of conditions being met,” she said.

We’ll have to wait until after the Monday board meeting for more clarity on potential waivers and modifications to the USD 8 bn loan program, as well as any updates on the privatization program, Kozack said.

#2- Will the inflation momentum slowdown continue? Economists, policymakers, and private sector players will be eagerly awaiting the country’s latest inflation figures for February set to be released by state statistics agency Capmas tomorrow. Annual headline urban inflation edged down to 24.0% in January — a smaller-than-expected decrease, which nonetheless marked its lowest level since December 2022.

Most analysts polled by EnterpriseAM forecasted a sharp drop, with the median forecast of the ten analysts polled expecting annual headline urban inflation to fall to 14.3% — nearly 10 percentage point drop from the previous month on the back of a favorable base effect. However, not everyone was so optimistic, with some predicting that the data would only see a marginal decrease and stay above the 20% mark.

#3- Tomorrow is the last chance for investors to apply for over 2.1k industrial land plots across 22 governorates via the Egypt Industrial Digital Platform in a ten-day offering that kicked off at the start of the month.

REMEMBER- The government has been trying to address a lack of industrial land — as well as widespread land hoarding — by offering significant swathes of land to investors via a newly launched digital platform amid a wider regulatory reset to ensure that industrial land is being used effectively. The Industrial Development Authority most recently offered over 2.6k land plots in December.

IN THE HOUSE-

The House is back in session after a two-week break to discuss the draft Labor Law, which got preliminary approval just before it went on break, and two foreign agreements — one with the UAE regarding the exchange of convicted individuals and another regarding funds from Spain.

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The Egyptian-Russian Business Forum will take place in May, with the aim of strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries, according to an Investment Ministry statement. The forum will focus on priority economic sectors, the in-the-works Russian industrial zone, and expanding exports.

Check out our full calendar on the web for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events, national holidays and news triggers.

CORRECTION- In Thursday’s issue of EnterpriseAM, we incorrectly said that femtech platform Daleela by Motherbeing had 8k users. The application in fact has attracted 80k users since its launch in August. The story has been amended on our website.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

Ceasefire negotiations are back on: Israel will be sending representatives to Qatar tomorrow to advance ceasefire negotiations, while Hamas representatives are in Cairo to partake in negotiations with Egyptian mediators. Hamas has hinted at “positive indicators” that the second phase of the three-phase ceasefire would start. (Reuters | AP | Bloomberg)

REMEMBER- Last week, Israel started blocking all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza in a bid to pressure Hamas into accepting changes to the already agreed on ceasefire agreement.

MEANWHILE- In Syria, more than 1k people were killed in two days of clashes between Syrian forces and former president Bashar Al Assad loyalists in the city of Latakia. The fighting left large parts of Latakia without power and clean water. (AP)

Egypt warns against instability in Syria: The Foreign Ministry expressed its concern over the escalating violence in Syria. The ministry underscored Cairo’s unwavering support for Syria’s stability, voicing its rejection of any actions that could destabilize the country.

AND- China announced retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, escalating trade tensions after Ottawa imposed import duties on Chinese-made EVs last year. Beijing will slap a 100% tariff on Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas, and a 25% levy on aquatic products and pork. The new tariffs are set to take effect starting 20 March. (Reuters | Bloomberg | CNBC)

Somabay partners with Marriott International to launch an Autograph Collection Hotel, opening in 2027 with 194 sea-view rooms, world-class dining, and wellness facilities. This marks its second collaboration with Marriott after Sheraton Soma Bay (1999). Somabay is home to a collection of renowned hotels, including Kempinski, The Cascades, Robinson Club, and The Breakers, offering a diverse range of luxury, wellness, and lifestyle experiences along the Red Sea.

Elsewedy Electric is setting up USD 500 mn subsea cable factory — the region’s first

Elsewedy Electric will build a USD 500 mn subsea cable factory in the newly-announced zone in Dameitta Port, according to a statement. The factory will be the first of its kind in the region and only the sixth in the world. The factory will span 500k sqm and include a 180 meter cable manufacturing tower.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

Exports are the name of the game: All of the factory’s production will be earmarked for export. Elsewedy Electric’s cable-focused arm Elsewedy Cables ships 70-80% of its production abroad, generating over USD 1 bn in export revenues annually, General Manager Amr El Sawaf recently told EnterpriseAM. Its products reach over 100 countries, with European nations being its biggest market, followed by those in North America, Asia, and Africa.

If you didn’t know already, wires and cables make up the lion’s share of Elsewedy Electric’s revenues, with the segment making up 61% of its total revenues during the last quarter results were available for.

What Dameitta Port zone? Elsewedy Electric and the Transport Ministry’s Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport signed an MoU to set up and operate a 6 mn sqm industrial and logistics zone that will be situated in the Dameitta Port. Under the agreement, the zone will be planned and built by Elsewedy Electric subsidiary Elsewedy Industrial Development in partnership with a newly-formed JV that will take over the management and operation of the zone.

The partners are already eyeing other industries to join the zone, including food manufacturing, automotive, and petrochemicals, which the statement says there is a demand for.

** We recently sat down with El Sawaf to explore the company’s journey, market leadership, and how it’s navigating an increasingly competitive global industry. Check out our interview here.

Talabat fully acquires Instashop from parent company Delivery Hero for USD 32 mn

DFM-listed Talabat acquired 100% of Dubai-based on-demand online grocery delivery platform Instashop in a USD 32 mn related-party transaction with its Berlin-based parent company and majority shareholder Delivery Hero as part of a restructuring push, it said in a statement (pdf). Instashop will continue to operate as an independent brand, under Talabat’s grocery and retail vertical.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

The cash-based transaction was financed by Talabat’s internal reserves, with the amount reflecting Instashop’s capital amount rather than its fair value. The company was valued at USD 360 mn — USD 270 mn paid upfront, with the rest deferred and tied to Instashop’s future performance — when it was bought by Delivery Hero in 2020 — making it a favorable acquisition for Talabat’s shareholders. Instashop operates in the UAE and Egypt.

REMEMBER- Talabat listed a 20% stake on the DFM in a USD 2 bn IPO last December.

It’s all about creating synergies: Talabat expects the transaction to result in operational and technology synergies across both businesses, with streamlined delivery and product operations once integration, which is currently underway, is complete.

The acquisition put Talabat’s gross merchandise value — the total value of all goods sold — in 2024 at USD 2.5 bn on a pro forma basis. Instashop’s GMV rose 16% y-o-y to USD 631 mn last year, equivalent to 8% of talabat's 2024 GMV, with positive and improving EBITDA margins, according to the statement.

Market reax: Talabat’s stock closed down 0.7% on Thursday following the news to trade at AED 1.53.

January’s auto sales dip from two-year high seen in December

Auto sales slip in January: Auto sales in January fell 22% m-o-m to 10.1k, down from December’s two-year high of 13k, according to figures from the Automotive Marketing Information Council (AMIC) seen by EnterpriseAM. The figure marks the end of a four-month rebound in monthly vehicle sales that began in October 2024, which had broken a two-month streak of declines following four months of growth between April and July.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

Passenger car sales drove the drop: Passenger car sales saw a 28.4% m-o-m decrease in January to 7.6k vehicles. Bus sales saw a similar drop, with a 26.7% m-o-m dip to 698 buses. Trucks were the sole segment to see an m-o-m increase, rising 29.2% to record 1.8k units.

On a yearly basis: Total auto sales in January were up 61.4% y-o-y from the same period last year, with all three segments seeing growth. Passenger car sales were up 58.2% y-o-y, bus sales saw a 33.7% y-o-y jump, and truck sales rose 93.2% y-o-y.

REMEMBER- Auto sales saw a rebound last year, growing some 13.2% y-o-y with some 102.2k vehicles sold throughout the year after the market got the chance to catch its breath after a turbulent period triggered by an FX crunch that limited supply in the market and gave distributors leverage to hike prices as they pleased.

The figures don’t quite tell the whole story: AMIC figures reflect data contributed by member distributors, who include most, but not all, industry participants.

Egyptian-Moroccan Business Council sets up investment platform

Egyptian-Moroccan Business Council launches digital investment platform: The Egyptian-Moroccan Business Council has launched an interactive digital platform to connect investors from the two countries and boost cross-border trade, according to a statement. The platform will include a database of projects, hold virtual meeting spaces, and offer AI-powered investment recommendations.

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More efforts to boost trade: Members of the council put forward a number of steps to boost trade and investment between the two nations, which include a biannual investment forum, financing programs for startups, and a rural development initiative. Other initiatives include a startup bridge program for entrepreneurial exchange, an e-commerce platform for youth to sell products and services, the Green Youth Initiative for sustainable projects, and a cultural exchange program for smart agricultural labs and cross-border incubators.

The push for greater economic cooperation comes after last month’s spat over trade imbalances: Egypt sent a high-level delegation to Rabat at the end of last month to push for the removal of recent restrictions that had left Egyptian exports piling in Morocco’s ports for two weeks, a government source told EnterpriseAM last month. Nearly 150 containers loaded with ceramics, food products, and insulation materials were said to be stuck at Moroccan ports in an effort to address a trade imbalance that is currently in favor of Egypt.

That’s no longer an issue: Egyptian exports are entering Morocco smoothly and vice versa, head of the Egyptian-Moroccan Business Council Nizar Abu Ismail said.

Remember: Egypt and Morocco agreed to establish a direct line of communication to address any trade issues that arise, fast track Moroccan exports into Egypt, and increase efforts to promote Egyptian imports of Moroccan-made goods — especially for automobiles. This came during Investment Minister Hassan El Khatib’s visit to Morocco late February.

Shell and partners withdraw from their Red Sea blocks

It was a weekend busy with energy news, between Shell and its partners exiting their Red Sea blocks, BP completing the drilling of its El Fayoum-5 well, and Romanian firms expressing interest in the oil and gas exploration blocks offered by the Oil Ministry.

There’s only one remaining active Red Sea block, after Shell exited Red Sea 3 and Red Sea 4: Oil and gas giant Shell and its partners withdrew from their two Egyptian Red Sea exploration blocks, which they were awarded in 2019, industry publication Middle East Economic Survey reports. The blocks, which were previously held in partnership with Woodside, Qatar Energy, and Mubadala, are now listed as open on Egypt’s official blocks map, while a Woodside report states that the exit is still in progress. Red Sea Block 1 — held by Chevron, Woodside, and Egypt’s Tharwa — is now the only active block in the area, though drilling plans remain on hold due to Houthi attacks.

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BP wraps up drilling at its El Fayoum-5 gas well: BP finished drilling at the El Fayoum-5 gas well in its North Alexandria Offshore Concession, the energy giant anno u nced. BP is working to tie the recent discovery into its West Nile Delta operations. El Fayoum-5 “encountered four prospective Messinian gas reservoirs.”

What they said: “This reinforces BP’s commitment to Egypt and its growing energy needs. With Raven Infills Phase 2 already contributing to production, we're now fast-tracking the El King and Fayoum discoveries to tie into our West Nile Delta infrastructure,” BP EVP Gas and Low Carbon William Lin said.

Agiba accelerates development of Iris field: Agiba — a JV between energy giant Eni subsidiary IEOC and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) — has successfully expedited the development of the Iris field in the Western Desert, according to an Oil Ministry statement. The development currently involves three production wells ensuring stable output of 8.5k barrels of oil per day.

Three Romanian firms want a piece of the 13 oil and gas exploration blocks across the Mediterranean and Gulf of Suez the Oil Ministry is offering to investors, head of the Egyptian-Romanian Business Council Ahmed El Sokkary told Al Borsa. The companies will put in their offers over the coming few weeks, he said.

Regional M&A activity was up 3% y-o-y in 2024

The MENA region saw 701 M&A transactions last year, totaling USD 92.3 bn, with the bulk of activity in the GCC, where 580 transactions totaled for USD 90 bn, according to EY’s latest MENA M&A insights report. This marks a 3% increase in transaction count and a 7% rise in value y-o-y, likely fueled by capital market reforms, policy shifts, and growing interest from foreign investors, the report reads.

Emirati and Saudi sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) remained the key drivers of dealflow in the region, with Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment (along with two USA-based PE firms) clinching the heftiest cash-based M&A last year, with its USD 15.5 bn acquisition of an 80% stake in the US’ fifth largest ins. player Truist Ins. in February 2024. PIF-backed Aramco followed, with its acquisition of an additional 22.5% stake in Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical (Petro Rabigh) for USD 8.9 bn. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) and Mubadala were part of a consortium that acquired a 60% stake in Chinese property giant Zhuhai Wanda Commercial Management Group for USD 8.3 bn, estimated to be the region’s third largest transaction last year.

Cross-border transactions topped the M&A league table, making up 52% of the total volume, and 74% of the total value of transactions.

Domestic M&As accounted for 48% of total activity in the region last year with 339 transactions worth USD 24.4 bn, up only slightly from 333 in 2023. Technology and consumer products industries accounted for a combined 35% of the total domestic count.

Outbound investments accounted for the lion’s share of total consolidated transaction -value (61%) with 199 transactions worth USD 56.6 bn.

Inbound investments totaled USD 11.4 bn, up 42% y-o-y, across 163 transactions, up 18% y-o-y.

KSA + UAE captured the bulk of inbound + total M&As: The UAE stood out as the foreign investors’ preferred M&A market in the region, locking in the highest count (96) of inbound transactions, and the highest value (USD 7.6 bn), at around 67% of the total. Combined, the UAE and Saudi Arabia were home to 318 M&A transactions worth a total of USD 29.6 bn last year.

The US was the biggest bidder into the MENA region last year, logging 48 transactions worth USD 4.6 bn. The capital flowed both ways, with MENA investors also making the USA their prime destination 2024, with 41 M&As valued at USD 19.9 bn.

The technology sector led inbound investments in the region last year,accounting for 23% of total inbound and domestic deal-volume. The UAE’s tech scene alone captured 35 transactions.

EFG Finance will offload stake in PayTabs

M&A-

EFG Finance to exit PayTabs Egypt as part of a push to streamline operations: EFG Holding’s non-bank financial services arm EFG Finance will offload its entire 51% stake in e-payment solutions provider PayTabs Egypt to Saudi parent company PayTabs Global for an undisclosed sum, according to a statement (pdf). The transaction isn’t expected to have a significant impact on the group’s financial position, the statement said. It’s noteworthy that EFG was previously mulling an exit through a share-swap agreement for a slice of PayTabs’ parent company.

(Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background as well as external sources.)

What they said: “Our divestment from PayTabs Egypt represents a strategic step in refining our operational focus. By reallocating resources from non-core assets, we enhance our ability to drive sustainable growth and innovation in key areas. This decision aligns with our long-term strategic objectives and commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders,” said EFG Finance CEO Aladdin El Afifi.

LOGISTICS -

Dekheila Port’s USD 660 mn offshore facility takes a step forward: The Alexandria Port Authority inked initial commitment agreement with the Alexandria for Supply Chain Company to establish a permanent offshore facility to receive, store, and transport feed gasses for local industry at the Dekheila Port, according to a Transport Ministry statement. The project will see USD 660 mn in investments across three phases of development.

When will the facility go online? Commercial operations for the first phase are expected to kick off in 2027 with volumes of up to 350k tons annually, which are expected to rise to 4 mn tons upon wrapping up the project’s third phase.

REMEMBER- Alexandria for Supply Chain Company — a JV between state-owned companies Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding, Sidpec, and the Egyptian Natural Gas Company (Gasco) and private sector player Gama Construction — aims to import 1.1 mn tons of liquefied ethane gas a year, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for the petrochemical industry in the region.

Global dividends reached USD 1.8 tn last year

Global dividends increased by 6.6% y-o-y to reach USD 1.8 tn in 2024, according to the latest edition of asset manager Janus Henderson ’s Global Dividend Index (pdf). On a quarterly basis, dividends were up by 7.3% in 4Q 2024.

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Big payouts from Meta, Alphabet, and Alibaba drove one-fifth of global dividend growth. Alibaba’s USD 5.1 bn payout helped lift China’s total to a record USD 62.7 bn.

The world's largest dividend payers in 2024, ranked by total payouts, were Microsoft, Exxon Mobil, HSBC, Apple, China Construction Bank, PetroChina, China Mobile, JPMorgan Chase, Chevron, and Johnson & Johnson. Together, they distributed USD 145.9 bn in dividends

Growth by sector: While dividend growth was broad-based, the financial sector led the way, with banking dividends rising USD 36.4 bn, aided by one-off special payments. Other sectors, including telecoms, construction, insurance, consumer durables, and leisure, saw gains exceeding 10%. Media companies, led by Meta and Alphabet, doubled their dividends, while Alibaba bolstered retail payouts. On the downside, mining and transport experienced a combined USD 26 bn drop, and dividends in the oil, gas, and energy sector declined by 4.1% to USD 166.2 bn.

The US led global distributions with payouts reaching USD 651.7 bn, followed by the UK with USD 90.6 bn and Japan with USD 86.0 bn.

Emerging markets saw a 9% increase in payouts y-o-y, driven by record distributions of USD 62.7 bn from China and USD 30.6 bn from India. Saudi Arabia contributed USD 16.9 bn.

Dividends to rise this year: The firm expects dividends to rise 5% to USD 1.8 tn in 2025, though a stronger USD may weigh on headline growth. The Trump administration could boost US firms but also heighten inflation risks, potentially triggering market volatility. However, corporate earnings are still expected to grow by over 10%.

EGX30	30,947	+0.2% (YTD: +4.1%)
USD (CBE)	Buy 50.64	Sell 50.78
USD (CIB)	Buy 50.63	Sell 50.73
Interest rates (CBE)	27.25% deposit	28.25% lending
Tadawul	11,811	-0.7% (YTD: -1.9%)
ADX	9,448	-0.9% (YTD: +0.3%)
DFM	5,223	-1.0% (YTD: +1.2%)
S&P 500	5,770	+0.6% (YTD: -1.9%)
FTSE 100	8,680	0.0% (YTD: +6.2%)
Euro Stoxx 50	5,468	-0.9% (YTD: +11.7%)
Brent crude	USD 70.36	+1.3%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 4.40	+2.3%
Gold	USD 2,914	-0.4%
BTC	USD 86,167	-0.7% (YTD: -7.9%)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The EGX30 rose 0.2% at Thursday’s close on turnover of EGP 3.3 bn (12.1% below the 90-day average). International investors were the sole net sellers. The index is up 4.1% YTD.

In the green: Emaar Misr (+5.7%), EFG Holding (+4.3%), and Credit Agricole (+1.7%).

In the red: Rameda Pharma (-1.9%), Orascom Development (-1.3%), and E-finance (-1.2%).

CALENDAR

MARCH

1-10 March (Saturday-Monday): Egypt will open electronic applications for 2.2k industrial land plots across 22 governorates

10 March (Monday): Capmas expected to release inflation data for February.

10 March (Monday): The IMF’s Executive Board will meet to discuss Egypt.

Arla Foods’ deadline for Domty acquisition offer.

Alwaad Investment to inaugurate a new cold beverage plant with an annual production capacity of 14.5 mn units.

Al Ahly Sabbour to finalize preparations for its EGX listing, offering 20-25% of its shares, with an advisor to be tapped in early 2025.

March-April 2025: The government plans to start collecting taxes on capital gains from EGX transactions.

APRIL

7-9 April (Monday-Wednesday): Narrative PR Summit’s 9th edition, Somabay

7-10 April (Monday-Thursday): EFG Hermes One on One conference, Dubai, UAE

10 April (Thursday): Capmas expected to release inflation data for March.

17 April (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s second meeting.

28-30 April (Monday-Wednesday): FDC Regional Digital Industry Summit will launch cybersecurity index.

Business-to-business forum of Egyptian and Moroccan companies to promote bilateral trade, Cairo, Egypt.

The Suez Canal Container Terminal will begin trial operations for its expanded East Port Said facilities.

Government begins talks with EU on the second tranche of the of the EUR 5 bn concessional loans package

Saxony Delegation visit to Egypt.

Egypt to launch trial operations of the first phase of its USD 1.8 bn Egypt-Saudi electricity interconnection project, ahead of schedule

Tahya Misr 1 container terminal to begin operations, adding 3.5 mn container capacity to the port.

MAY

10 May (Saturday): Capmas expected to publish inflation data for April.

1 May-10 July (Thursday-Tuesday): 500 Global's Scale Up Program, Cairo

18-20 May (Sunday-Tuesday): First Arab International Exhibition for Sustainable Development.

22 May (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s third meeting.

Egyptian Exporters Association (Expolink) exhibition, Italy

French rolling stock manufacturer Alstom will submit technical and financial bids for Cairo Metro Line 6

Egyptian-Russian Business Forum

JUNE

10 June (Tuesday): Capmas expected to publish inflation data for May.

June 2025: MPs approveextension of tax dispute resolution window until 30 June 2025, with potential for further extension

June 2025: Nissan and Honda finalise talks about possible merger to create the world’s third largest automobile company by sales.

June 2025: Coficab to complete its USD 88 mn automotive cable and electrical factory in Tenth of Ramadan City

JULY

10 July 2025 (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s fourth meeting.

15-16 July 2025 (Tuesday-Wednesday): Egypt Mining Forum.

July 2025: The first operational trail of Egypt-KSA electricity interconnection line.

July 2025: Etihad Airways to launch twice-weekly flights to Alamein

July 2025: Israel to begin increasing gas exports to Egypt from Chevron’s offshore Tamar field

AUGUST

28 August 2025 (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s fifth meeting.

August 2025: Tourism Development Authority to waive late payment penalties for land purchases if full installments are paid

SEPTEMBER

September 2025: Egypt Education Platform (EEP) to launch two new schools in Alexandria and Somabay

September 2025: Egypt Otsuka’s nutritional products factory in Tenth of Ramadan to begin operations, with exports to Gulf countries expected by January 2026

OCTOBER

2 October 2025 (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s sixth meeting.

NOVEMBER

20 November 2025 (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s seventh meeting.

DECEMBER

1-4 December: Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX), Egypt International Exhibition Centre.

25 December: (Thursday): Monetary Policy Committee’s eighth meeting.

December: Taqa Arabia and Voltalia to complete studies for repowering the 545-MW Zafarana wind farm with 1.1 GW of wind and 2.1 GW of solar power

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

Early 2025: ADQ to break ground on the development of Ras El Hekma

Early 2025: Al Ismaelia to begin working on two new hotels and hotel apartments in Downtown Cairo.

Early 2025: The Communications Ministry will unveil the second edition of its national AI strategy in early 2025

Early 2025: The Suez Canal Authority to launch an IPO for the Canal Company for Mooring and Lights (CCML) on the EGX.

Early 2025: Orange Egypt to launch 5G services, with EGP 10 bn planned for network upgrades.

Early 2025: BP to begin drilling at the King Mariout Offshore concession.

Early 2025: Jinbei Royal Egypt to begin local assembly of 3k Jinbei vehicles, including the country’s first electric cargo van and microbus

1Q 2025: The Egyptian-Italian business forum

1Q 2025: Investment Minister Hassan El Khatib to visit Italy

1Q 2025: Eipico’s biopharma plant to begin operations

1Q 2025: Finance Ministry to launch public consultations on its tax policy document

1Q 2025: Egypt to sign trade agreements with Bahrain and UAE to slash customs clearance times

1Q 2025: Government to launch EUR 271 mn green industry program to cut emissions

1Q 2025: Egypt-Azerbaijan joint committee to meet to bolster trade and investment ties

1Q 2025: Turkish Automotive Manufacturers Association and Turkish Contractors Association to visit Egypt following an invitation from the Investment Minister

1Q 2025: One of four companies, including Abu Qir Fertilizers, Mopco, Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company, and a Saudi-affiliated firm, to be selected for the USD 450 mn redevelopment of Delta Fertilizers

1Q 2025: GV Auto to begin local production of FAW Group’s cheapest EV model.

1Q 2025: Alkan Auto to launch BAIC subsidiary Arcfox’s EVs to the market.

1Q 2025: Dynamic Distribution to launch a new competitively-priced Fiat model in Egypt.

1Q 2025: BP to drill two USD 160 mn exploratory gas wells in the West Delta.

1Q 2025: Port Said for Engineering Works to begin construction on a USD 80 mn aluminum foil factory in the SCZone, targeting initial production of 60k tons annually.

1Q 2025: Pearl Polyurethane Systems to start production at its EGP 100 mn polyurethane factory in the Sokhna Industrial Zone.

1Q 2025: Sumitomo Electric to officially open its EUR 22 mn cable factory in Tenth of Ramadan, with production set to begin next month.

1Q 2025: Construction of the USD 600 mn natural gas treatment plant in the Western Desert’s Meleiha concession to wrap up, followed by a pilot run.

1Q 2025: El Araby Group and Sharp to break ground on a USD 50 mn fridge and freezer manufacturing plant in the Quweisna zone.

1Q 2025: Hangzhou Henneway Travel Goods to begin production at its USD 50 mn factory in the West Qantara Industrial Zone

1Q 2025: BP to drill two USD 160 mn exploratory gas wells in the West Delta

Mid-2025: EGX launches sustainability index.

2Q 2025: Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) to introduce derivatives on the EGX

2Q 2025: Safaga Terminal 2 to start operations

2Q 2025: Hassan Allam to build infrastructure for AD Ports' Noatum terminal at Safaga

2Q 2025: EgyptSat Auto to start production at its EV factory in Tenth of Ramadan City

1H 2025: EGX launches a sharia-compliant sustainability index.

1H 2025: Digital Financial Identity Company will launch an electronic bank account opening service

1H 2025: The Egyptian-US Investment Forum.

1H 2025: The Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority will relaunch a global tender for gold exploration through Shalateen Mineral Resources company.

1H 2025: Internal Trade Development Authority (ITDA) to establishfour logistics zones with EGP 18-20 bn investments

1H 2025: Natco to launch Chinese firm Neta Auto’s EV models.

1H 2025: OCI Global to complete the sale of its entire methanol business to Methanex for USD 2.05 bn.

1H 2025: Egypt and the UAE to begin construction of a USD 3 bn petroleum logistics zone at Al Hamra Port

1H 2025: HoldiPharma to list 25-30% stakes in Misr Pharma and Chemical Industries Development (CID) on the EGX

1H 2025: Korra Energi to list up to 20% stake on the EGX

1H 2025: Smart Villages Development and Management Company plans to list 30-35% of its shares on the EGX

1H 2025: Halliburton to bring three gas wells online as part of the Burullus project.

1H 2025: Chevron to begin gas production from the offshore Nargis gas field, initially producing 600 mn cf.

1H 2025: Nile Recycling to launch USD 20 mn PET recycling facility in Ain Sokhna, targeting an annual capacity of 22k tons and reducing carbon emissions by 40k tons

3Q 2025: Nasr Automotive begins locally manufacturing passenger cars.

3Q 2025: AMEA Power to bring 500 MW Amunet wind farm online in Ras Ghareb

4Q 2025: Abou Ghaly Motors to introduce the Subaru Solterra to the market

4Q 2025: Two new projects in food manufacturing and home textiles to begin operations in the Qantara West Industrial Zone

2H 2025: National Printing Company to make its EGX debut after delayed IPO plans

2H 2025: Tabarak Holding to list 30% of its shares on the EGX

2H 2025: Turkish apparel company Denim Rise to open a garment manufacturing facility

2H 2024: Hi-Tech Apparel to break ground on a USD 20 mn sportswear factory in the SCZone

2H 2025: Eni to drill two new wells in the Zohr field with USD 160 mn in investments

Mid-2025: The Administrative Capital for Urban Developments to roll out the second phase of offering industrial plots to investors

Mid-2025: SN Automotive to launch three locally assembled models — one electric and two gasoline-powered — in Egypt

Mid-2025: Suez’s USD 1.8 bn coal and diesel production complex, developed by Enppi and Petrojet, to be completed

Mid-2025: Wataneya and Safi to debut on the EGX

End of 2025: The Egypt Digital Industrial Platform will expand to include additional services for manufacturers, including the issuance of licenses, building permits, and industrial records

End of 2025: An unnamed Chinese company and the state-owned Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) to begin production at a USD 360 mn tire factory in the SCZone.

End of 2025: A consortium including Redcon Properties and Al Baraka Bank to launch a local real estate investment fund with over EGP 1 bn in initial investments

Late 2025: Baron Hotels to open a new hotel in Sharm El Sheikh and debut its first international property in Zanzibar with 150 luxury suites

2025: The InterAcademy Partnership assembly

2025: Nile Basin States Summit, Cairo, Egypt

2025: Release of the government’s Startup Charter document

2025: Nafeza to integrate air cargo into its digital customs platform, further streamlining trade logistics

2025: Africa50 completes 42.9% stake acquisition in Raya Data Centers for USD 15 mn to fund construction of a USD 35 mn Tier III data center.

2025: MM Group for Industry and International Trade is set to launch 16 new Tata vehicle models locally.

2025: China to issue USD 411 bn in special treasury bonds

2025: El Attal Holding to list 30-35% of its shares on the EGX

2025: The Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD) to launch its EGX debut, offering 5-10% of its shares.**

2025: Basata Holding for Financial Investments to offer 25% stake on the EGX as part of a plan to double its capital to EGP 1.4 bn.**

2025: Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi to open early in the year, alongside debuts of Tapestry Collection and Curio Collection by Hilton.

2025: Palm Hills and Marriott to launch The Ritz-Carlton Residences in West Cairo, featuring 150 branded units across 45 acres

2025: Jaz Hotel Group to set up two new hotels in North Coast, two in Hurghada, and two in Marsa Alam

2025: Sunrise Resorts & Cruises to add 4k hotel rooms to its hotels capacity.

2025: Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM) to complete studies and kick off production of Egypt’s first sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs).

2025: Polaris Parks to begin development of the industrial park in New October City

2025: EgyptAlum to launch a USD 100 mn foil production line with a 50k-ton annual capacity

2025: Honor to begin operations at its proposed smartphone manufacturing facility in Egypt, with an initial investment of USD 10 mn

2025: Indorama and Phosphate Misr to begin implementation of the USD 400-500 mn phosphate fertilizers plant in Ain Sokhna

FY 2025-26: Egypt to issue its first EGP-denominated sovereign sukuk to finance public investments outside the general budget

FY 2025-26: The government to begin introducing cash-based subsidies on a trial basis in select areas of the country

2025-2027: EUR 4 bn in concessional loans to follow as part of a EUR 7.4 bn package

2026

Baron Hotels to launch two hotels in Egypt with 950 rooms, followed by another with 750 rooms.

May 2026: End of extension for developers on 15% interest rates for land installment payments

2027

20 January-7 February: Egypt to host the African Games

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

2027: Egypt to host EBRD’s annual meetings for 2027.

End of 2027: Trial operations at the Dabaa nuclear power plant expected to take place

September 2028: First unit of the Dabaa nuclear power plant begins operations

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